Tuesday, April 29, 2014

The helicopter appeared over the late morning
horizon. We were to receive Mr Lachhman Singh Rathore who was visiting our
Flight Unit to perform the last rites of his son, Flying Officer Vikram Singh.

Only the day before, I had sent the telegram
which read, “Deeply regret to inform that your son
Flying Officer Vikram Singh lost his life in a flying accident early this
morning. Death was instantaneous.”

It was the first time for me- to meet
and manage the bereaved next of kin, in this case the Father of the brave
officer.

While most of the desolate family members insist on
seeing the body, many a times there isn’t a body to show !!

Flying Officer Vikram Singh’s remains
were only a few kilos – scrapped from what was left in the cockpit. We had to
weigh the wooden coffin with wood and earth.

The pilot brought the helicopter to a perfect
touchdown. Soon Mr Lachhman Singh Rathor was helped down the ladder. A small
and frail man he was, maybe of 80 years, clad in an immaculate dhoti.

As I approached him, he asked in a quiet and
dignified whisper,

“Are you Venki, the Flight Commander?”

“Yes Sir.”

“Vikram had spoken to me about you. I’d
like to speak to you alone for a minute.”

We walked to the edge of the concrete apron. ‘I
have lost a son, and you have lost a friend. I’m sure that you have taken great
care in arranging the funeral. Please tell me when and where you want my
presence and what you want me to do. I’ll be there for everything. Later, I
would like to meet Vikram’s friends, see his room and, if it is permitted,
visit his work place. I then would like to return home tomorrow morning.”

A commander couldn’t have given me clearer
instructions.

The funeral, with full military honours, was
concluded by late afternoon. After the final echoes of the ‘Last Post’ faded
away, Lachhman Singh spent the evening talking to the Squadron Pilots. Vikram’s
roommate took him to see Vikram’s room. Lachhman Singh desired to spend the
night in his son’s room instead of the guest house we had reserved for him.
Early next morning after a tour of the squadron area, my boss took him to his
office.

A while later, the staff car took Lachhman Singh to
the civil airfield two hours away.

As the car disappeared round the corner, I remarked
to my Boss, “A brave man he is. Spoke to me like a General when he told me
exactly what he expected from us during his stay here. I have never seen a more
composed man on such an occasion. I admire him.”

“Yes, Mr Lachhman Singh Rathore is a warrior in his
own way. He sired three sons and has laid to rest all three of them.

His first son Captain Ghanshyam Singh of the Gurkha
Rifles was killed in Ladakh in 1962 War. His second son, Major Bir Singh, died
along the Ichogil Canal in 1965 in an ambush. The youngest, Vikram Singh, who
had the courage to join the Air Force, is also gone now. This simple farmer has
contributed more to our country than all of us combined.”

Yes, he is indeed a brave Indian ; in fact HE is
MORE INDIAN than anyone else - His sacrifice can never ever be repaid by the
Country !! He is almost a Martyr himself !!

But our Great Nation does Not know this simple
Giant -- India only knows that Super Rich Cricketers need to be conferred
BHARAT RATNA while a bunch of actors and actresses need to be conferred PADMA
VIBHUSHANs and PADMASHREEs !!Yes, they are so called 'Achievers'. They achieved
Fame & Fortunes mostly for themselves and a wee bit for the country. (Ever
wondered as to HOW on earth do actresses bring glory to the Nation??)

But what about the ' Losers '?? Those who have
SIMPLY LOST their EVERYTHING to the Nation, like this Father of Three Brave
Soldiers.

Awake INDIA Awake! Stop being patriotic
when you need to be sportive and be sportive when you ought to be Patriotic.